Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet

 

If you want to try something new and expand your crochet skills, Tunisian crochet is the perfect technique to explore. Tunisian crochet creates unique and intricate designs, combining knitting and crochet elements that will impress your friends and family. The key to Tunisian crochet lies in the use of special crochet hooks called Tunisian crochet hooks or Afghan crochet hooks. These hooks are longer than regular crochet hooks, allowing you to pick up and hold multiple stitches at once.

Introduction to Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian/Afghan crochet hooks are longer than regular ones. They have a stopper at one end to prevent stitches from falling off. These hooks come in various materials like aluminum, plastic, wood, and bamboo for infinite creative options. The choice of hook will depend on personal preference and the specific project you're working on. Considering the weather, you can opt for bamboo interchangeable Tunisian hooks or any other material, as bamboo provides a warm grip in the chilly climate.

The backbones of the Tunisian Crochet hook

 

In Tunisian crochet, the two most prominent steps are followed in each row called "Two Passes."

 

●     Forward pass (FwP): In Tunisian crochet, the Forward Pass (FwP) initiates the row by inserting the hook from right to left, pulling up loops in each stitch, and leaving them on the hook. This process builds a row of live stitches on the hook.

 

●     Return Pass (RetP): It is executed by yarning over and pulling through loops in a specific sequence, effectively completing the stitches and working them off the hook from left to right.

 

The FwP and RetP together comprise the basic stages of Tunisian crochet, producing a fabric characterized by its unique appearance and dense texture, similar to a combination of traditional crochet and knitting.

 

Basic Tunisian Crochet Stitches

Here, you can find a comprehensive compilation of fundamental stitches and clear instructions for seamless execution.

Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS):

a. Insert the hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of the next stitch.

b. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook.

c. Repeat across the row, working one TSS in each stitch.

Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS):

a. Insert the hook from front to back through the stitch.

b. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook.

c. Repeat across the row, working one TKS in each stitch.

Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS):

a. Bring the yarn to the front of the work.

b. Insert the hook from right to left through the stitch.

c. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook.

d. Repeat across the row, working one TPS in each stitch.

Tunisian Double Crochet (Tdc):

a. Yarn over, and insert the hook under the next vertical bar.

b. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook.

c. Yarn over and draw through two loops on the hook, yarn over and draw through the remaining two loops.

Tunisian Extended Stitch (TES):

a. Yarn over and insert the hook under the next vertical bar.

b. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook.

c. Yarn over again and draw through one loop on the hook, creating an extended height.

d. Repeat across the row, working one TES in each stitch.

 

Combined with the forward and return passes, these steps create the unique fabric of Tunisian crochet.

Tunisian Crochet Hooks Vs. Regular Crochet Hooks

 

 

	Tunisian Crochet Hooks	Regular Crochet Hooks
Length and Design	They are longer, allowing multiple stitches to be retained along the shaft.	They have a shorter shaft and are designed for working one stitch at a time.
Stitch Retention	They feature a stopper at one end to prevent stitches from slipping off, facilitating the management of a large number of stitches.	They do not have a stopper, making them better suited for traditional crochet techniques that involve fewer stitches on the hook at once.
Versatility	They are primarily used for Tunisian crochet projects, such as blankets, scarves, and garments.	They are versatile and can be used for a wide range of crochet projects, including amigurumi, accessories, and home decor items.

 

So, always consider your project type to choose a suitable crochet hook.

 

We hope that this blog has provided you with a solid foundation on Tunisian/Afghan crochet hooks. Now, we encourage you to try different stitch types, which allows you to deepen and reinforce your understanding.